Mexico storms: 139 dead, 53 still missing

Mexico storms: 139 dead, 53 still missing

Aerial view of the landslide that buried part of La Pintada village, Guerrero state, Mexico, after heavy rains hit the area, on September 19, 2013. Deaths from floods and landslides battering Mexico neared 100 on Thursday.

The death toll from twin storms that battered Mexico has risen to 139 while 53 people remain missing after a mudslide buried their village, officials said Wednesday.

Interior Minister Miguel Angel Osorio Chong said a further 35 people were injured in the landslides and floods that hit several states after tropical storms Ingrid and Manuel pummeled the country last week.

The biggest tragedy was in La Pintada, a village that was swamped by a massive mudslide in the mountains of southwestern Guerrero state.

Rescuers have been digging for victims for weeks in La Pintada, where 68 people were initially reported missing. Authorities said this week that five bodies have been pulled out so far but Osorio Chong did not give an update.

President Enrique Pena Nieto said last weekend there was little hope anybody would be found alive.